The Hidden Beach, Mexico: A Swim To Remember

The Hidden Beach is one of the most renown beaches in the world, an ideal place for snorkeling and water diving enthusiasts. It is situated on one of the Marieta Islands, now designated national park, 20 miles away from Puerto Vallarta, Western Mexico.

Due to the governmental regulations that prohibits any fishing and hunting that could damage the environment, a marine ecosystem was developed in the Marieta Islands. On your way to the Hidden Beach, you are likely to encounter sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, thousands of species of tropical fish and, with a little luck, humpback whales will swim next to your boat.

The origin of the picturesque beach is also interesting, as it is believed that the hole which surrounds it is a result of test bombs made at the beginning of the 20th century.

We recommend visiting the Hidden Beach with a guide, due to the orientation problems in the archipelago and difficulty in finding the entrance. The access is made through a tunnel located 1,5 meters above water which connects the beach to the Pacific Ocean, so the only ways to get in is by swimming (needs some experience because of the currents) or by using a kayak.

When to visit? The best time to visit Marieta Islands and the Hidden Beach is during the high season (winter months) the weather is stable and you can do whale watching.

How to get there? You have to arrive in Puerto Vallarta (there are flights from Mexico City) where you can rent a boat or find a tour operator to get to the islands.